Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday wrote to the Prime Minister seeking recognition of the Bengali language as a classical language and submitted a scholarly work undertaken by the state government that goes to show why Bangla “is a classical language with roots in antiquity”.
The research paper was enclosed with the letter addressed to the Prime Minister.
The chief minister shared the contents of the letter with reporters after a press conference at Nabanna.
“There had always been a claim to the antiquity of the language, but concrete research was not present to substantiate the claim. Now I am happy to present concrete evidence-based research to prove that Bengali as a language existed, even in writing, as early as 3rd-4th BCE (Before Christian Era),” she quoted from the letter.
“I am sure you would appreciate the scholarly work and ensure that our language gets its due recognition.”
Mamata in her letter explained why she thought Bengali “eminently qualifies” to be classified as a classical language by the home ministry.
“...the case for Bengal’s classical status is supported by its rich historical evolution encompassing both oral and written tradition. Evidence from archaeological findings, inscriptions, references in ancient Sanskrit and Pali texts and a substantial body of pre-seventh century Bengali literature underpins its classical heritage,” Mamata wrote.
According to her, concrete proof of written Bengali from 3rd-4thcentury BCE further testifies the ancient origin of the language, aligning it with the criteria established for recognising classical languages in India.
“In consideration of the fact that 6 Indian languages have already been notified as classical languages, I would be grateful if you kindly issue necessary instructions to the Ministry of Home Affairs so the claim Bengali language as a Classical Language is accepted at the earliest,” Mamata wrote.
Trinamul Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar, who is a former secretary of the Union ministry of culture, supported the chief minister’s stand.
Ganga Sagar mela
Mamata has written to the Prime Minister with an appeal to declare Ganga Sagar Mela a national fair, “considering the uniqueness, significance, magnitude and spiritual depth”.
“It may also be mentioned here that it takes huge expenditure to organise the Mela of this magnitude which at present is fully funded by the state, without any contribution from the Government of India,” she wrote.